JohnArvalNern

Pine Village - John Arval Nern, 66, of rural Pine Village, died at 7:56 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013 at the IU Health-Arnett Hospital, Lafayette.John was born on March 3, 1947 in Lafayette. He was the son of the late John D. and Elizabeth "Betty" (Smiley) Nern. He was raised in Boswell and graduated from Boswell High School in 1965. He then attended Nashville Auto Diesel School in Nashville, Tenn. He then returned to the area and moved to rural Pine Village in 1970. John married Pat A. (Thomas) Nern on November 27, 1979 in Lake Tahoe, Nev. John was a grain and cattle farmer for 49 years, retiring this year. He had also worked as a truck driver for Strasburger Trucking, a chemical salesman for Miles Farm Service in Pine Village and as a John Deere implement salesman for Wright Implement in Williamsport.John was a member of the Pine Village United Methodist Church. He served as a director on the board of Warren County REMC for 16 years. This was an honor for him as his grandfather, Arval M. Smiley, was one of the founders of the Warren County REMC. He volunteered many years for the Warren County 4-H Fair, helping with the Swine Committee and food building. He was also a director on the board of the Diamondhead Resort in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. He was a member of the Pine Village Masonic Lodge #315 F&AM for 34 years.John's favorite pastime, besides spending time with his family, was enjoying people. He had a big heart and loved meeting new acquaintances. Over the years he made many friends and truly cared for them. He will be missed and remembered by many.He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Pat (Thomas) Nern of Pine Village; two sons, Jonathan (Sarah) Nern and Jordan (Nisha) Nern, both of Pine Village; a daughter, Lindsay (Anthony) Pruitt of Pine Village; six precious grandchildren whom he adored: Ryley Patrick, Claire Elizabeth and Finn Theodore Nern, Emma Renee and Wyatt Patrick Nern and Charlotte Reese Pruitt; three sisters, Rita (husband-Gene) Sparenberg of Fowler, Jane (husband-Ron) Cain of Remington and Wanda (Steve) Mitchell of Decatur, Ill.; and 26 nieces and nephews.Services were held at the Pine Village United Methodist Church on Nov. 19 with Pastor Jeff Allen officiating. Burial followed in the Locust Grove Cemetery, Ambia. Maus Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.Condolences may be sent online at www.mausfuneralhome.com.Visit our online guestbook at fountaincountyneighbor.com.